Comrade Molotov!

Please review the enclosed letter from Shklovskii.

After all, there is a decision of the Central Committee — is there not? A written and formal one (from the Politburo) — "to work in the NKVT in Berlin."

This decision is being sabotaged by Lutovinov, and now by Stomonyakov as well. Why? I do not know precisely, but I can guess: Lutovinov accuses Lenin of "favoritism" toward Shklovskii (!!). Some people are displeased that the decision of the Orgburo against letting Shklovskii go abroad has been overturned by the Politburo.365

An absurd network of intrigues has developed. Shklovskii is absolutely unsuited for work in Russia. His family (many children, an ailing wife) has not adapted in Russia. Here it is nothing but trouble. The man is honest without question, a Bolshevik since the first (1905) revolution; I, Zinoviev, and all the Bolsheviks in Switzerland personally knew him. Chicherin is satisfied with his work abroad. Krasin is too.

The sabotage of Lutovinov (and now Stomonyakov) is simply outrageous — a wrecking of a Central Committee decision. They disagree? Let them appeal to the plenum or to the Central Control Commission — that is their sacred right. They have not appealed, but instead are quietly wrecking things and driving Shklovskii almost to thoughts of suicide. They do not want to understand that what is happening is a vile persecution of a man — dishonorable, underhand.

In the NKVT there are thieves everywhere; Kopp has clearly bred thieves. Kopp, apparently, will have to be removed.

All the more reason to value honest men who know both language and commerce.

I ask you either through the Central Committee secretariat (or perhaps — might this be more convenient? — direct Solts to the Central Control Commission) to impress upon Stomonyakov seriously: stop sabotaging, or else you will end up with expulsion

from the Party. Let him apologize to Shklovskii and drop the sabotage.

Jot down two words.

With comradely greetings,
Lenin

Written in June, not earlier than the 4th, 1921

Published for the first time, from the manuscript